102 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



ORNAMENTAL FISHES NOT DISTRIBUTED. 



The bureau has no appropriation for the propagation of orna- 

 mental fishes nor has it any literature on goldfish breeding. Persons 

 who desire information on this subject are advised to consult the 

 standard goldfish works, which may be had at the public libraries. 

 Ornamental fishes may be purchased from dealers in aquarium 

 specialties. 



RESCUE WORK. 



For many years the bureau has been doing an important work of 

 conservation by rescuing large numbers of native fishes from the 

 temporary ponds and pools formed by the annual flooding of the 

 Mississippi RiA^er and several of its tributaries. Over 99 per cent 

 of the fish so rescued are returned to the parent streams and less 

 than 1 per cent used for restocking depleted waters in the various 

 States. Remarkable results have been attained in stocking small 

 ponds on farms, and numerous cases are on record where ponds and 

 lakes that contained no fish prior to their introduction by the bureau 

 are now yielding a bountiful supply. Hundreds of favorable reports 

 are annually received regarding this phase of the bureau's work. 



DANGERS FROM OVERSTOCKING. 



Overstocking is responsible in some instances for the small size 

 fish attain. Applicants often request the introduction of new stock 

 to correct this condition, whereas the remedy lies in reducing the 

 number of fish to a point where the food supply will be sufficient to 

 permit them to attain their maximum growth. By using in fish 

 culture the same judgment that is exercised in stock raising the size 

 of fish may be considerably increased and much better results ob- 

 tained. A given area of ground will furnish forage for just so many 

 cattle, and when more are added it means less food per capita. The 

 same rule applies to fish, and no more should be placed in a body of 

 water than the natural food supply will maintain. Young bass, 

 crappie, and sunfish require natural food, and it is for this reason 

 that any surplus fish should be removed to other waters in which a 

 supply of suitable food is available. 



METHODS OF INCREASING FISH SUPPLY. 



Well-stocked streams and lakes add to the food supply of the 

 country and also provide recreation for a large number of persons. 

 As a recreation fishing is more generally engaged in than hunting, 

 since the open season occurs during the vacation period. Good fish- 

 ing often attracts attention to desirable sections that might other- 

 wise be overlooked. 



The supply of fish in a given body of water should be maintained 

 in so far as possible by the natural reproduction of the original 

 stock and its progeny. If, however, intensive fishing is carried on, 

 it may be advisable to make additional plants of fish. There is 

 danger in introducing new species, especially the more voracious 

 kinds, where desirable species are established. The competition for 

 food may result disastrously for the native species without giving 



